becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation

Sam Leeson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

  1. 1d ago

    The Postpartum Gap: Why Queer Families Need More Support, a conversation with Slade Riverfield

    From the moment you begin speaking with Slade, it's clear that compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to caring for others are at the heart of everything they do. For almost 20 years, Slade worked as a nanny, spending the majority of their adult life caring for newborns, toddlers, and children. But over time, they began to recognize a significant gap: new parents simply weren't getting the postnatal support they needed. And when Slade looked more closely, they saw that the gap was even greater for families who are too often overlooked by mainstream systems — including people of colour and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. That realization became a catalyst for change. Although Slade has never given birth themselves, they recognized that supporting new parents meant committing to ongoing learning. Course after course, they built their knowledge and skills with the goal of becoming the most effective, informed, and respectful support possible for new families. In 2020, Slade and a peer brought that vision to life by creating The Queer Parenting Partnership — an organization built in collaboration with Queer parents, families, and professionals to help ensure that new families can access the resources, information, and support they deserve. In this episode, we talk about the realities of postnatal support, the gaps that continue to exist for Queer families and families of colour, and what it means to build resources with communities rather than simply for them. Because no new parent should have to navigate those early days alone. Learn more about The Queer Parenting Partnership: 🌈 Website: parentingqueer.co.uk📱 Facebook, Instagram & TikTok: @parentingqueer Want to support the work of The Queer Parenting Partnership? You can help support their work through: Easy Fundraising:  https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/the-queer-parenting-partnership KoFi: https://ko-fi.com/parentingqueer BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/parentingqueer PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ParentingQueer  Every contribution helps support the work of creating more accessible, inclusive, and affirming resources for Queer parents and families.

    The Postpartum Gap: Why Queer Families Need More Support, a conversation with Slade Riverfield

  2. Jul 30

    From Military Life to Storytime: Jessica Trammell's Journey to Family, Creativity & Blast Off, Eleanor

    Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ family in the military can be incredibly hard — especially when you're constantly trying to "find your village” and rebuild your network every few years. But it can also open doors to opportunities most people never get. There aren't many kids (or adults, for that matter) who can say they walked the ball out to the mound at an MLB Pride Month game and lived in Germany, all before starting kindergarten. That's the world Jessica Trammell is building for her family — and it's just one thread in a much bigger story. Jessica has always been a storyteller. From writing imaginative stories as a child, to serving in the military and living around the world, creativity has remained a constant throughout her journey. It was while stationed in the Middle East that she met the love of her life, Tara — and the two quickly realized they shared something extraordinary, including a dream of building a family together. After Jessica's medical release from the military following their marriage, they began pursuing parenthood, and Jessica eventually found her way back to writing. Today, while Tara is stationed in Germany, Jessica is creating children's books that celebrate imagination, inclusion, and the many ways families can stay active together. In this episode, Jessica shares: The winding path that led her from military service to becoming a published children's authorWhy representation in children's literature mattersThe inspiration behind her debut book, Blast Off, EleanorHow she's building stories where every child — and every family — can see themselves reflected on the pageWhether you're a parent, an aspiring author, or someone who believes books have the power to shape kinder, more inclusive generations, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Learn more about Jessica, purchase Blast Off, Eleanor, and follow her upcoming projects at www.jessicattrammellbooks.comFind her books on Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnes & NobleFollow her on Instagram: @author.jessica.trammell If you'd like, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes every family deserves to see themselves in the stories we tell.

    From Military Life to Storytime: Jessica Trammell's Journey to Family, Creativity & Blast Off, Eleanor

  3. Jul 23

    A Dad, an Adoption Story & a Book That Helps Kids Feel Seen: a discussion with Ian Duncan

    By their second date, Ian and Danny were already talking about something big: they both dreamed of becoming fathers. For Ian, that dream of fatherhood would eventually include adoption. Together, he and Danny welcomed their son, Carson, into their family. Now 13, Carson is at the heart of Ian's story as a father — and, in many ways, his journey as an author, too. Ian is a father, husband, teacher, and author, and in this episode, we talk about the power of stories and the messages we give children about family, identity, and belonging. Long before he became a parent, Ian was drawn to the messaging and meaning found in children's picture books. That love eventually became something more: the creation of RJ and the Ticking Clock, a picture book written by Ian and beautifully illustrated by Scott Ritchie. Ian is quick to point out that a picture book is a collaborative art form — and that the words and illustrations are equally important in bringing a story to life. It's a wonderful reminder that creating a book, much like creating a family, is about the coming together of different people, perspectives, and talents to create something greater than any one person could create alone. In this conversation, we talk about fatherhood, adoption, representation, storytelling, and the importance of creating books that help children feel seen, understood, and reflected in the stories they read. Because every child deserves to see their family represented — and every family deserves to know that their story belongs. Follow Ian and learn more about his work:Instagram: @ian_duncan.pb

    A Dad, an Adoption Story & a Book That Helps Kids Feel Seen: a discussion with Ian Duncan

  4. Jul 16

    Kate McMahon: Three Kids. One Ex-Spouse. Countless Lessons About Family.

    When Kate begins sharing her family-building story, you might think you know where it's headed. But like so many Queer family journeys, this one doesn't follow a straight line. What unfolds is a beautifully unexpected story of love, change, co-parenting, resilience, and creating a family that works—even when it looks nothing like the one you imagined. Today, Kate and her co-parenting ex-spouse are raising three incredible children who bring endless joy to their lives. As both a parent and an educator, Kate quickly realized that her children—and so many others—would eventually have big questions about their origins, family structure, and the many ways families are created. Rather than waiting for those conversations to become difficult, she began writing the books she wished every family had. In this episode, we explore co-parenting after separation, donor conception, adoption, divorce, and why giving children honest, age-appropriate language helps them grow with confidence and pride in their stories. It's an honest, hopeful, and deeply engaging conversation that reminds us there is no single "right" way to build a family—only the way that's right for yours. Learn more about Kate's books and resources at www.connectinus.com or follow along on Instagram at www,instagram.com/connectinginus  — FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Kate McMahon: Three Kids. One Ex-Spouse. Countless Lessons About Family.

  5. Jul 9

    Empowering Queer Families with Tom Tracy

    What a way to celebrate 150 episodes of becoming babyREADY — with none other than Tom Tracy joining me for this milestone conversation! Today we're diving into Tom's newest creation: a workbook designed specifically for Queer parents and their children. This isn't just an activity book — it's a tool built to give kids the language, voice, and confidence they need when navigating questions from a world that still defaults to cisgender, heteronormative assumptions. We talk about why that confidence matters so much, and how Tom's approach helps children raised by Queer parents feel supported, empowered, and safe — no matter what they're asked or by whom. In this episode, we cover: Why Tom created this workbook and who it's forHow the workbook helps kids respond to tough questions with confidenceThe importance of representation and voice for children of Queer parentsWhat makes this resource different from other family workbooksResources & Links: Explore all of Tom's books: www.tomtracybooks.comGet the new workbook: www.whateverworkbooks.comand on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomtracybooks and www.instagram.com/whatever_workbooks  FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Empowering Queer Families with Tom Tracy

  6. Jul 2

    "One and Complete": Nick & Steven's Journey to Fatherhood Through Surrogacy

    That first cry you hear from your newborn in the operating theatre — after your surrogate delivers via caesarean on your behalf — is a moment that marks your soul forever. For Nick and Steven, that moment came three years ago, when their baby girl took her first breath. In this episode, we sit down with Nick and Steven to talk about how their relationship began with a simple goal: build a solid foundation first. That friendship blossomed into marriage, and when they were ready to grow their family, they did it together, as husbands. They dreamed of a big family with lots of kids. They found an egg donor who provided multiple healthy embryos, and a surrogate in their own state to carry their child. But the road wasn't without its challenges — the financial cost of the surrogacy process as gay dads has been far more than they ever expected. We talk about the emotional highs and lows of the process, the unique challenges of navigating fertility and legal systems that were built with heterosexual couples in mind, and how all of it led Nick and Steven to a beautiful realization: they are "one and complete" — and it suits exactly who they are. In this episode: The moment their daughter was born and what it meant to themBuilding a relationship foundation before starting a familyFinding an egg donor and surrogateThe real financial cost of surrogacy for gay couplesNavigating systems not built with same-sex parents in mindRedefining what a "complete" family looks likeFollow Nick and Steven:📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehardtruthclub🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/thehardtruthclub FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    "One and Complete": Nick & Steven's Journey to Fatherhood Through Surrogacy

  7. Jun 25

    Building Community, One Connection at a Time: Megan's Journey from Pandemic Parenting to Gay Moms Club

    When Megan and her wife first got together in 2012, parenthood wasn't immediately part of the plan. After building a strong foundation and settling into married life, they realized that having children was a dream they wanted to pursue together. With her wife completing graduate school, Megan chose to be the one to carry their child. Following multiple IUI attempts, they welcomed their son, who is now six years old, and have happily embraced life as a family of three. But becoming a parent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges. The classes, programs, and community connections Megan had envisioned for early parenthood disappeared virtually overnight, leaving her and many other new parents feeling isolated and unsupported. Rather than accepting that reality, Megan identified a need and decided to create a solution. In this episode, Megan shares the story behind Gay Moms Club, the innovative app she launched to help lesbian parents connect with one another. In just three years, the platform has grown to more than 1,000 members, creating meaningful friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging for families around the world. Together, we discuss:• Navigating fertility treatment and IUI as a same-sex couple• Deciding who will carry a pregnancy• Building a family as a two-mom household• Parenting during the pandemic• The importance of community and representation• Why connection with people who share your lived experience matters so deeply• The creation and growth of Gay Moms Club Whether you're building your family, raising children, or simply looking for community, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions come from recognizing a need and courageously stepping forward to meet it. Learn more about Gay Moms Club:Instagram: www.instagram.com/gaymomsclubWebsite: www.gaymomsclub.com Other resources mentioned in this episode:• www.mendchiro.com• www.weebeelearning.com

    Building Community, One Connection at a Time: Megan's Journey from Pandemic Parenting to Gay Moms Club

  8. Jun 18

    Against All Odds: One NICU Dad's Journey Through Premature Birth, Pride, and Parenthood

    What happens when you're thrown into parenthood when an unexpected baby arrives 10 weeks early? August didn't wait to find out. When his daughter arrived between 28 and 30 weeks gestation, he hit the ground running. Through a global pandemic, splitting hospital visitation schedules, and 66 days of NICU vigils, he showed up with unwavering love and determination. And his little girl? She's defying every prediction doctors made. Every. Single. One. In this episode, August opens up about what it truly means to advocate for a medically fragile child when the world feels like it's working against you. As a trans man with his own complex healthcare journey, he brings a uniquely powerful perspective on navigating systems that weren't always built with you in mind — and how to ensure your child's needs always rise to the top, no matter what. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, love, and the fierce, unshakeable bond between a parent and a child who was never supposed to make it look this easy. You'll walk away from this one differently than you came in. Also — don't miss this: August is a seasoned voice actor and he's bringing his talents to a brand new podcast alongside co-host Jameel Mayers. Certified Bad Example is a weekly show dedicated to “turning bad examples into good lessons” — and it drops just in time for Pride Month. Trust us, you're going to want to subscribe immediately - if not sooner. Follow August on IG: www.instagram.com/augustsinsta Follow Certified Bad Example on IG: www.instagram.com/certifiedbadexample

    Against All Odds: One NICU Dad's Journey Through Premature Birth, Pride, and Parenthood
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"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

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